Psalm 51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

When I am honest with myself, I have no trouble identifying my sinfulness. I know that all of us will try to justify or rationalize the things we do that are outside of God’s plans and desires for us, but that does not make them acceptable in His sight. Even if you can convince yourself and others that certain sins are “not that big of a deal,” God’s opinion on the matter is the only one that really counts.

Admitting your sin is necessary. That admission is the start of repentance, turning from your sin and turning to God. Because that is the only way to receive the forgiveness Jesus earned for you.

Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

My forgiveness is not based on what I do. It is not based on my feelings or emotions. It is based completely on who Jesus is and what He did for me. I listen to God’s promises as He shares them with me in His Word.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The life and death of Jesus paid for my sin. His resurrection guarantees that I will also rise to life eternal. So even on my worst day, I know that I am a forgiven child of God.

This old hymn popped into my mind as I was thinking about this.

I know my faith is founded on Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;
And this my faith confessing, Unmoved I stand upon His Word.
Man’s reason cannot fathom The truth of God profound;
Who trusts her subtle wisdom Relies on shifting ground.
God’s Word is all -sufficient, It makes divinely sure,
And trusting in its wisdom, My faith shall rest secure.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #381, stanza 1)